I. The Paradise of God vs. 1-5

A. What comparisons to the garden of Eden do you notice? (5)

B. The river of Life vs. 1

1. Pure – clear as crystal

2. Coming from the throne of God

a) Jesus is the author cf. Heb. 12:2

b) Cf. John 4:10-14; 7:37-39

3. This is distinguished from the River during the Millennium that is coming from the Altar cf. Ezekiel 47:1, 12

4. An invitation to all who thirst. Rev. 22:17

C. Tree of Life vs. 2

1. Its location in or next to the river is not clear..

a) The description of this tree’s location is debatable, but perhaps John saw the river dividing and flowing on both sides of it. A tree surrounded by water is the epitome of a fruitful tree (cf. Ps. 1:3; Jer. 17:8; Ezek. 19:10). This tree was perpetually rather than seasonally in fruit; it produced a new crop of fruit each month of the year. Evidently the new creation will not have a lunar calendar, since there will be no moon (21:23), but another type of calendar will define months. Most fruit trees in the old creation bear fruit only a few months each year at most. In contrast, God’s blessing of fruitfulness will mark life in the new earth. The tree of life in the Garden of Eden could perpetuate life forever (Gen. 3:22, 24). Evidently that will be the function of this tree in the new earth as well, to sustain immortality. “Healing” really means “health-giving” (Gr. therapeian). Since there will be no death in the new earth these leaves will evidently promote well-being. They will provide healing from the conditions of the old creation as the wiping away of tears removed the sorrows of the old creation (cf. 21:4; Ezek. 47:12). The nations are groups of people in the new creation viewed according to their old creation divisions (cf. 21:24).[1]

2. It is a continually bearing plant with fruit each month.

3. Leaves were for the healing of the nations. “were” past tense. Healing is done. No sin exists so when or what was healed.

D. No more curse. How does the curse affect us ? cf. Gen 3:14-19

E. God and the Lamb are there and served.

1. On the throne

2. They will see his face

a) “God’s bond-servants will see God’s face; we will enjoy personal, intimate fellowship with Him. We will be able to do this because we will be pure in heart, righteous, and holy then (cf. Ps. 11:7; 17:15; Matt. 5:8; 1 Cor. 13:12; Heb. 12:14). Adam and Eve’s sin broke their fellowship with God, and they hid from Him (Gen. 3:8; cf. Exod. 33:20, 23). Our ability to view God’s glory is limited now (cf. Job 19:25–27; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 9:7), but then it will be unhindered (1 John 3:2). Scripture does not reveal whether we will see one, two, or three persons of the Godhead.”[2]

3. Marked as belonging to Christ cf. 7:3; 14:1

F. No more nights

1. God gives them light.

2. God reigns forever.

G. Vs. 5 Is the end of the revelation to John.

II. Promises

A. Who is giving these promises.

1. Vs. 6 Lord God of the holy prophets. II Peter 1:20-21

2. God. Vs. 8-9

3. Alpha and Omega vs. 13 – stresses eternality and sovereignty.

4. Jesus v.s 16

5. Root of offspring of David vs. 16

6. Bright and Morning Star vs. 16

B. Who receives the promises? Vs. 16

C. What are the promises?

1. Book is the word of God vs. 6 “faithful and true”

2. It is immanent vs. 6c, 10 - next on God’s plan

3. Jesus will return vs. 7a, 12a

4. The Promise of Blessing 7b cf. Rev. 1:3

5. Eternal Security vs. 11 - things are settled in this life.

a) No purgatory

b) No annihilation

c) No Universalism

d) “This verse does not teach that for some people repentance and conversion are impossible (cf. v. 17). It is a guarantee of personal responsibility for one’s decisions (cf. Ezek. 3:27; Matt. 11:15; Rev. 2:7; 13:9; et al.).”[3]

6. Eternal Rewards vs. 12

a) Christ will judge

b) Every man II Cor 5:10

c) Work cf. I Cor. 3:9-15

7. Eternal life vs. 14-15 cf. I John 3:23

a) Not all receive it…

III. A Final invitation vs. 17

A. Come!

1. Find forgiveness

2. Thrice repeated.

3. Salvation = water of life

4. It is by grace – free…

B. Who is extending the invitation?

1. Spirit cf. John 16:8; Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12; John 16:10, 13, 14

2. The Bride I Cor. 1:21b, 23a cf. Mark 16:15; Mt. 16:19

3. Hearer cf. Rom. 10:17; Ps. 107:2

C. Who is invited?

1. Whosoever will - Cf. I Tim 2:4; 4:10; II Peter 3:9

a) “Does Revelation 22:11 suggest that God does not want men to repent and change their ways? No, because that would be contrary to the message of Revelation and of the Gospel itself. The angel’s words must be understood in light of the repeated statement, “Behold, I come quickly” (Rev. 22:7, 12), as well as his statement, “For the time is at hand” (Rev. 22:10). Jesus Christ’s coming will occur so quickly that men will not have time to change their characters.

b) “Revelation 22:11, therefore, is a solemn warning that decision determines character, and character determines destiny. Suffering believers might ask, “Is it worth it to live a godly life?” John’s reply is, “Yes! Jesus is returning, and He will reward you!” Next comes John’s second admonition.”[4]

IV. Final Warning vs. 18-19

A. Closing the book – Don’t add to it.

1. Revelation is complete… Who adds to it?

B. Adding and subtracting

1. Plague for adding vs. 18

2. No heaven for those who subtract

V. Final statement

1. Last promise vs. 20

2. Last prayer vs. 20

a) “There are a number of New Testament texts that reflect the early church’s belief in imminence. Paul commended the Corinthians because they were “awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 1:7). He further exhorted them, “Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God” (1 Cor. 4:5). The apostle included the untranslated Aramaic word maranatha (“O Lord, come”) in a letter to the Greek-speaking Corinthians (1 Cor. 16:22). That word had evidently become a familiar byword, expressing believers’ longing for Christ’s imminent return. To the Philippians Paul wrote, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20). He commended the Thessalonians because they “turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven” (1 Thess. 1:9–10). Later in that same epistle, Paul expressed his own hope that he might be alive at the Lord’s return: “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thess. 4:15). The apostle rebuked those believers at Thessalonica who were so preoccupied with the Second Coming that they were not working: For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. (2 Thess. 3:10–12)”[5]

b) Vs. 7, 12, 20 emphasize the imminent return of Christ.

3. Benediction – Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.